Common Terminal Function Allocation in Imaging Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging apparatuses require multiple terminals for different photography modes, leading to increased complexity and size, as each mode necessitates specific terminal functions, such as electronic flash synchronization and time code signaling, which are not mutually exclusive.

Innovation Solution

A common terminal is configured to function differently based on the selected photography mode, acting as either a time code input/output terminal or an electronic flash synchronization terminal, allowing exclusive use of functions in respective modes through a changeover processor and protection circuits, enabling efficient allocation and sharing of terminal functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are provided for different photography modes, then each mode can have dedicated terminal functions, but device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal function adaptabilityVSAvoidterminal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by making a single terminal capable of performing multiple different functions depending on the photography mode. The terminal can function as an electronic flash synchronization terminal in still image mode and as a time code input/output terminal in moving image mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated terminals for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the terminal's function to change dynamically based on the selected photography mode. The terminal transitions between different operational states (flash synchronization vs. time code signaling) according to the camera's operating mode, allowing flexible adaptation without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are provided for different photography modes, then each mode can have dedicated terminal functions, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal function adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by making a single terminal capable of performing multiple different functions depending on the photography mode. The terminal can function as an electronic flash synchronization terminal in still image mode and as a time code input/output terminal in moving image mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated terminals for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of what would traditionally require separate terminals into a single unified terminal. By combining the electronic flash synchronization function and the time code input/output function into one terminal, the device footprint is reduced while maintaining full functionality across different photography modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a common terminal is used for different functions, then device complexity is reduced, but function allocation must be carefully managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal structure complexityVSAvoidfunction allocation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the terminal's function to change dynamically based on the selected photography mode. The terminal transitions between different operational states (flash synchronization vs. time code signaling) according to the camera's operating mode, allowing flexible adaptation without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the photography mode setting as an intermediary mechanism that controls which function the terminal performs. The mode setting acts as a mediator that automatically routes the terminal to the appropriate function (flash synchronization or time code signaling), ensuring reliable function allocation without user confusion or manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3383020B1Imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.12.11 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A

AI summary

A digital camera includes common terminal 12, mode dial 10, and function setting unit 140. Mode dial 10 is capable of setting a certain photography mode from among a plurality of photography modes including a moving image photography mode and a still image photography mode. Function setting unit 140 performs a setting so as to, when mode dial 10 sets the certain photography mode to the moving image photography mode, achieve a first function using common terminal 12, and, when mode dial 10 sets the certain photography mode to the still image photography mode, achieve a second function using common terminal 12. Function setting unit 140 does not achieve the second function in the moving image photography mode, and does not achieve the first function in the still image photography mode.